Of course standalone modems are generally cheaper than modem-routers, but they’re more technical, and you’ll end up spending an identical amount on a router anyway. Modems can cost anything between $50 and $700, depending on the features you want included, the brand, and ultimately if you want it to be a modem-router or not. Having modems and routers as separate devices is an unnecessary hassle these days, so having them combined into a single device solves a lot of problems. These days, standalone modems are more difficult to come by than modem-router hybrids, which you likely own. Modems then communicate with your router via an ethernet cord, unless you’re using a modem-router hybrid. Some NBN technologies (such as FTTP and HFC) use an additional box that then speaks to your modem and router. Modems connect via an ethernet cord or coaxial cable to your internet supplying wall socket, depending on the type of technology your home uses. Think of it like a junction where the internet meets your home and sends data between the larger internet and your WiFi. Essentially, modems receive internet data through the wiring in your home (either through fibre wiring, copper wiring, signal towers or satellite signals in Australia) and translate internet data for use in your home (this data is then sent to your router). Modems are devices that connect your home to the internet. This is a selection of products with links to referral partners. Use our comparison tool to see plans from a range of other providers. The table below shows a selection of published unlimited Premium Evening Speed (NBN 100) plans on Canstar Blue’s database, listed in order of monthly cost, from the lowest to highest, and then by alphabetical order of provider.

Unlimited Premium Evening Speed (NBN 100) Plans Thinking about a new NBN provider or plan to go alongside your new modem, router or modem-router? Check out some of the providers and plans available in the table below. Your current router might even be NBN ready. If you want to be extra careful, look out for an ‘NBN ready’ sticker or badge on the box, just to be sure. Typically, if what you’re buying really is one or the other, it should specify this. However, the fact is the device you are purchasing probably includes both. Most devices on the market today may say they are a ‘modem’ or a ‘router’. You can also buy these modem-router hybrids separately to couple with BYO plans. You’ll only need to get into the back end of the one device through a setup portal. This means that you simply need to ‘plug and play’ without fiddling with two devices.

Luckily, we’re not living in 2001 anymore providers and retailers these days offer hybrid modem-routers.

Note that these devices are separate from your NBN connection box, seen in FTTP, FTTC and HFC connections.

To get multiple devices connected, you’d need to buy a router and plug it into the modem.

If you have a modem-only device, it is usually wired and you’ll need to connect directly to it to access the internet.

This is very commonplace in modem-routers, and likely what you use today.

If you need Wi-Fi connection for multiple devices, a router with a built-in modem is what you’ll need.

These terms are often used interchangeably, but in reality, they are very different. When you connect to Wi-Fi, you’re connecting to the router part of your box, which then forwards traffic through the modem component and the internet. Routers connect your devices around the home to each other, while your modem connects to the wider internet, allowing you to access websites like Google and Facebook.

Modem vs router deal